Top 10 Things to Do in Marrakech

If you’ve been following along on my blog lately, you’ll note one thing is obvious – I love Marrakech, Morocco!

Known as the “red” city, the former Imperial City is swimming with a myriad of rich colors, warm people and culture.

Here are my top ten must-sees for your next visit.

Top 10 Things to Do in Marrakech

10. Soak up the colors at a spice market

Bin after bin of brightly colored spices line the white walls, flooding the setting with eye-popping brilliance. Morocco is the land of spices, used both in intricate food dishes and for medicinal purposes. At any spice market in the heart of the old city, you can stop by for a free explanation of products. The most popular spices to purchase are cumin and saffron. Argan oil is a popular beauty product for skin and hair. Be sure to barter with the shopkeepers if you wish to make a purchase.

9. Haggle at a Souk

Even if you aren’t in the market for any particular Moroccan goods, a walk through the souks is an exciting and illuminating experience. From leather slippers and silk scarves to traditional rugs and pottery to postcards and camel trinkets, there’s so much to feast your eyes on. To help find the best prices and get a better understanding of the markets origins and customs, tour with a guide.

8. Ride a camel at Palm Grove

Marrakech is quite far from the Saharah Desert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find camels! Ok, so it’s a pretty touristy experience but who cares if it’s a blast. Book a camel ride tour at Palm Grove using GetYourGuide.

7. Ponder scholarship at Ben Youssef Madrasa

Ben Youssef Madrasa is an Islamic University that dates back to the 14th century. Wander the halls and old dormitories of this ancient University that was once the largest in Morocco.

6. Pay homage to a historical dynasty at the Saadian tombs

The Saadian tombs are the final resting place of around 60 members of the Saadi Dynasty. Discovered in 1917 and restored to their original condition, the tombs date back to the 1570’s. The twelve columns is the most famous room with its intricate carvings and design work.

5. Make friends with a monkey

The main square and marketplace of Marrakech, Jamaa el-Fnaa is a swirl of madness with snake charmers, dancers and people trying to sell you just about anything you could imagine. The square is uncomfortable and claustrophobic, but a walk through is an absolute must. You may even get to make friends with a monkey like I did. Ok, the monkey was actually uninvited and thrust upon me unwillingly by his owner, but it was an exciting moment.

4. Watch the sunset over Jamaa el-Fnaa

As the sun sets, grab a cup of coffee from one of the rooftop cafes that surround Jamma el-Fnaa and watch as Marrakech’s most vibrant square is illuminated by the colors of the sky.

3. Relax at a Riad

Riads, or traditional Moroccan houses with interior gardens or courtyards, have become a popular accommodation option for visitors to Morocco and especially Marrakech. In the medina, or old quarter, of Marrakech alone there are more than 500.

My recommendation for a great place to relax in luxury is Riad AnaYela, located in a converted palace.

2. Enjoy nature’s beauty at the Majorelle Garden

Cobalt blues and mustard yellows will greet your eyes as you wander this garden, designed in the 1920’s and 1930’s by French artist Jacques Majorelle. The buildings here, with their unique colors and architecture are almost more beautiful than the pants and flowers.

1. Koutoubia Mosque

One of the most breathtaking scenes for me was the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest in Marrakech. Tourists are not allowed inside, but just walking around and taking in the minaret ornamented with turquoise was pleasure enough.

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And there you have it – my recommendations for the top 10 things to do in Marrakech. If you’ve been to Marrakech do you have anything to add? Leave a comment below!

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Meet Lauren

Hi! I'm Lauren Salisbury, a Los Angeles based travel blogger who has ventured to 47 countries and counting. Having lived abroad in Australia, Spain and the Costa Rican rainforest, Something In Her Ramblings is my space to share stories, resources and travel tips with fellow women solo travelers.